What does SNR mean?
SNR stands for Single Number Rating and provides information about the protective effect of hearing protection products. The SNR value is an averaged attenuation value across all relevant frequencies, as sound attenuation naturally varies depending on the frequency. The SNR value is expressed in decibels (dB).
Example: Our Kiddies by Schallwerk has an SNR value of 27 dB. This means that the sound insulation at a frequency of 250 Hertz is 15.6 dB. Whereas at a frequency of 4,000 Hertz, the sound insulation is 36 dB. All these different values result in an SNR value of 27 dB.
What does dB mean?
dB stands for decibel, a unit used to measure sound intensity. The displayed dB value is the sound pressure level and thus the volume perceived by our ears.
What is meant by frequency?
Frequency is the number of vibrations per second that occur in a sound. The basic rule here is: the faster the particles vibrate, the higher the frequency. Frequency is expressed in units of Hertz. The abbreviation for Hertz is Hz.
What does HML mean?
HML stands for H – High, M – Medium, and L – Low. These values describe the protective effect of hearing protection products in three frequency ranges. The frequency range for H, or high, is between 2,000 and 8,000 Hertz. For M, or medium, the value is between 1,000 and 2,000 Hertz, and for L, or low, the value is between 125 and 1,000 Hertz.
Example: Our Kiddies by Schallwerk has the following values: H = 32 dB, M = 24 dB, and L = 16 dB. Due to the different frequency ranges, each value naturally results in a different level of sound insulation.
What does the decibel scale show?
The decibel scale, which ranges from 0 dB to 120 dB, is logarithmic, making it often difficult to accurately assess the values. Our hearing doesn't perceive volume as increasing linearly. At first glance, it might seem that a conversation at 60 dB is only twice as loud as a circular saw at 120 dB. However, this isn't true, as the sound pressure is 1,000 times higher and therefore much more harmful than one would initially assume based on the values.
Leave a comment